Can you use moisturizer with tretinoin cream?

Should moisturizer go before or after tretinoin?

Follow your prescriber's instructions for layering. General guidance for prescription creams allows for applying the medicine before the moisturizer, but your prescription's directions take priority. If you want to apply moisturizer first, or both before and after tretinoin, ask your prescriber how to fit that into your treatment.2

On occasions when you are moisturizing without applying tretinoin, apply moisturizer after washing while your skin is still slightly damp to trap water. On tretinoin nights, let your skin dry as your medication directions specify before applying the medicine. The two products have different application instructions, despite sharing a bathroom shelf.13

What is the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin?

For acne prone skin, look for a moisturizer labeled "oil free," "noncomedogenic," or "won't clog pores." Noncomedogenic means formulated not to clog pores; these descriptions help identify moisturizers unlikely to cause acne. A light, non oily moisturizer is an option when acne treatment leaves skin visibly scaly. The useful words on the container concern clogged pores, not how luxurious the container thinks it is.145

Moisturizing ingredients work in different ways: glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract water, while occlusive ingredients form a coating that helps skin hold onto moisture. Heavy occlusive products, including oils and petroleum jelly, can aggravate acne in acne prone skin. For sensitive skin, choose a formula with few ingredients and avoid fragrance and essential oils. Introduce only one new moisturizer at a time so a reaction is easier to trace.2

How do you use tretinoin cream?

1. 1Wash your hands and the treatment area with a mild cleanser. Avoid abrasive or drying cleansers and scrubbing.
2. 2Let your skin dry as directed for your prescription.
3. 3With clean fingertips, apply enough tretinoin to cover the affected area in a thin layer. Keep it away from your eyes, mouth, ears and nose corners, and do not apply it to sunburned or eczema affected skin.
4. 4Apply moisturizer in the order your prescriber recommends.

When should you use tretinoin cream?

Tretinoin is generally used once daily at bedtime, but use it exactly as prescribed. Starting on alternate nights can reduce irritation; discuss that schedule with your prescriber rather than changing the prescription yourself. Use moisturizer daily and reapply a plain moisturizer without active medicines whenever skin feels dry. During the day, use sunscreen and limit sun exposure because topical retinoids can increase sun sensitivity.2356

What should you expect?

Moisturizer can soften peeling skin and relieve dryness; it is support for treatment, not a replacement. Acne improvement takes weeks to months, and topical retinoids can take 12 weeks or longer to show improvement. Fine wrinkle improvement with tretinoin can take 3 to 6 months.236

When should you contact your prescriber?

Severe irritation can require stopping treatment. Tell your doctor if dryness, burning, peeling or swelling is severe or persistent; call immediately for rash, hives, or pain at the treatment area. Do not add other topical medicines, including benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, unless your doctor directs you. Discuss pregnancy, plans to become pregnant or breastfeeding with your doctor, and call if you become pregnant while using tretinoin.35